Levodopa/Carbidopa and Zyrtec Capsule

• Generic Name: carbidopa / levodopa
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Parcopa, Rytary, Sinemet, Sinemet CR, Duopa

Levodopa is used for symptomatic treatment of parkinsonian syndrome (e.g., parkinsonism, idiopathic Parkinson disease [paralysis agitans]); also used for postencephalitic parkinsonism and symptomatic parkinsonian syndrome resulting from carbon monoxide intoxication or manganese intoxication.

Carbidopa is used in conjunction with levodopa to inhibit decarboxylation of peripheral levodopa and increase the amount of levodopa available for transport to the brain.

Levodopa (in combination with carbidopa) is the most effective drug for relieving motor symptoms of parkinsonian syndrome and is considered the drug of choice for this use.

Levodopa provides symptomatic relief (e.g., akinesia, rigidity, tremor) and improves functional ability; however, effectiveness decreases over time and most patients develop motor fluctuations and dyskinesias (drug-induced involuntary movements) with long-term use.

Strategies for reducing the risk of motor complications associated with long-term levodopa therapy include adjusting dosage of levodopa, adding adjunctive antiparkinsonian agents (e.g., dopamine agonist [e.g., pramipexole, ropinirole, rotigotine], selective monoamine oxidase [MAO]-B inhibitor [e.g., rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline], catechol-O-methyltransferase [COMT] inhibitor [entacapone, tolcapone], amantadine), or initiating therapy with other antiparkinsonian agents first to delay use of levodopa. Delayed approach is often used in younger patients who have a higher risk of developing motor complications. Levodopa generally is used for initial therapy in patients >70 years of age, those with cognitive impairment, and those with severe disease.

Not effective in the management of extrapyramidal effects induced by antipsychotic agents (e.g., phenothiazines).

• Generic Name: cetirizine
• Dosage Forms: capsule, liquid filled
• Other Brand Names: Zyrtec, All Day Allergy, All Day Allergy Children's, Indoor/Outdoor Allergy Relief, Zyrtec, GoodSense All Day Allergy

Cetirizine is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose. It is used to treat cold or allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, or runny nose.

Cetirizine is also used to treat itching and swelling caused by hives.

Cetirizine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.